“Hadapada introduced tabla to the common people.”
Mysore/Mysore: National wrestler Shankar S Kaligonnavar said it was Pt. KS Hadapada who introduced and popularised tabla among common people. He was speaking at the ‘Pt. KS Hadapada Award-2024’ ceremony organised by Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeeta Sabha, Mysore to mark the 18th death anniversary of Pt. Hadapada at Ganabharati, Kuvempunagar here on June 2.
Shankar Kaligonnavar mentioned that Hadapada was a dedicated musician and earned a name in the music world through his tireless practice of the tabla and determination during difficult times.
“Mr Hadapada is from my hometown, Malappura village. Though I have never met him in person, I have learnt a lot about him. From next year onwards, I will personally donate Rs 10,000 as prize money every year for as long as I am alive,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the programme, Sunita Chandrakumar, principal of Raghulila Music School, said that one cannot put a value on art. Anything that is integrated with art becomes alive and active and paves the way for samskaras, she added.
Arivu Principal MG Chetana also spoke.
Pt. BS Venugopala Raju from Bangalore was presented with the prestigious ‘Pt. Hadapada’ award by veteran tabla player Sivaputrappa Hooga.
After receiving the award, Venugopala Raju said he was honoured to receive it. He noted that the programme was a testament to the friendship between Guru and Shishya and recalled his long association with Mysore, adding that he had attended many of the concerts held in Mysore.
On this occasion, Venugopala Raju along with Ranjan Kumara Bebra from Bangalore performed a solo tabla concert accompanied by lela.
Earlier, students from Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeeta Sabha Music School performed a group tabla recital.
Former municipal councillor MV Ramprasad, Akashvani artist GN Manjunath, Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeeta Sabha chairman Bimashankar Bidanur and deputy chairman Mrityunjaya Hiremath were among those present.
